Kristina A. reviewed on 5/10/2018 + 1528 more book reviews

The Amish Teacher's Gift by Rachel J. Good is the first A Love & Promises Novel. Ada Rupp lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania where she is responsible for her seven younger siblings. Bishop Troyer has recruited Ada to teach at the new Amish special needs school where her deaf brother, David will be attending. Each of her students have unique problems that Ada will need to handle. Josiah Yoder, a widower, has just moved to the area with his mother and son, Nathan. Nathan is deaf and has had terrible tantrums since his mother passed away. Josiah has not found a way to comfort his son and adequately explain that his mother will not be returning. On the first day of school, Nathan is immediately taken with Ada as is Josiah. Nathan and David become friends which throws Ada and Josiah together. Ada is attracted to Josiah and his caring nature is such a comfort as she adapts to working and be the sole support of her siblings. However, Ada knows she cannot get too close to Josiah because of her father. Ada notices that Nathan is afraid of his father and she must find a way to help these two lost souls. Come along to Lancaster in The Amish Teacher's Gift to see how the tale progresses.

The Amish Teacher's Gift is well-written and engaging. The author provided realistic descriptions of the special need children and how they struggle with their condition (at such a young age). The children in Ada's class are deaf, autistic, hearing impaired, one has Down's syndrome, and one has Tourette's. The author has done her research on special need children and their requirements. It was interesting to find out the techniques that can be employed by teacher's and the equipment available to help the children. It is wonderful to see a teacher go out of her way to help her students. Ada was so patient and caring (I have never had that type of patience). The romance between Josiah and Ada progresses at a slow pace which suits this story (I am glad it was not rushed) and the romance is not the central part of the book. The story focuses on family, children, friends and faith. There were a few scenes between Josiah and his boss regarding his religion and work site requirements. I like how Josiah never got upset with his boss, but he would explain, and he showed by example (not being able to work on Sunday, how they do not allow photographs of themselves, why he cannot wear a hard hat, and doing for others). The Christmas play presented by Ada's class is an emotional, heartfelt scene (have a tissue handy). The ending will have you smiling. The Amish Teacher's Gift is an Amish novel you do not want to miss. I am eager for the next book in A Love & Promises series which is The Amish Midwife's Secret (we get a preview).

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